Getting a Goldendoodle comes with a lot of responsibility. Many of us don't even know what we are getting ourselves into or what we should prepare for before getting our first Goldendoodle puppy!
Are we cut out for it? Do we have the time? Do we have the patience?
All of these questions and more need to be answered before we can responsibly get a Goldendoodle.
Here are a few things you need to know before getting a Goldendoodle:
A Goldendoodle Puppy Requires a Lot of Work
Like all puppies, goldendoodle puppies need a lot of work in the beginning. Puppies need a schedule, plenty of socialization, and basic obedience training.
When I got my first goldendoodle puppy, it was a nightmare. I'm not going to lie, I had the puppy blues!
She couldn't be left alone as she cried and whimpered, she needed to be carried everywhere as she couldn't walk on a leash yet, and I was constantly cleaning up accidents in the house.
Just as your puppy needs to adjust to the new place, you need to adjust to the fact that your life now revolves around this little creature.
You have to get up early to take them out to potty, come home from work to take them out again, and then wake up in the middle of the night just in case they need to go.
But then, with every day, you will see progress.
Your puppy will learn to sleep through the night, and you'll be able to have a social life again!
All of this work is so worth it when you see your furry friend grow into a well-mannered dog.
It's a lot of work, but it's so worth it.
Getting a New Puppy is Always Expensive
If anyone says that buying a new puppy is cheap, they are lying. From the initial purchase price to the daily costs of food and supplies, having a puppy is not cheap.
And that's not even considering the unexpected medical bills.
Puppies are prone to getting sick, and they sometimes need surgery or other expensive treatments.
As your goldendoodle puppy will be toothing, you'll have to constantly be buying new chew toys to keep them entertained and distracted from your furniture.
You should also expect to spend money on things like obedience classes and dog-sitting when you go out of town.
And just like any Goldendoodle owner, you will buy every toy you see in the store, a holiday-themed outfit and accessory for your pup. (I'm not even kidding, I have an entire Christmas bin for my dog.)
So as you see, costs add up, but the love you have for your new pup is priceless.
Your Goldendoodle Puppy Will Need a Lot Of Exercise
If you are not an athletic person, or you are a couch potato, then trust me, a goldendoodle puppy will change your physical activity level for the better!
Both of the goldendoodle parents' dog breeds, Golden retrievers and poodles are high-activity level dogs, which means that your goldendoodle puppy will need a lot of exercise.
A tired dog is a good dog.
Whenever I tired my puppy out, she was much more calm and well-behaved in the house. But, whenever I had a long day at work or couldn't walk her as much, she was a total goofball.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that she would literally run around in circles for hours, chewing on everything she could find before finally collapsing in an exhausted heap.
It was both exhausting and adorable.
So, be ready to spend at least an hour of your day walking, running, or playing fetch with your pup. You can also go to the dog park once your dog is mature enough!
As they are a puppy, make sure you spread them out throughout the day so they don't get too tired and cranky.
And as they get older, you'll need to continue to provide them with daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Your New Goldendoodle Puppy Will Make a Mess
Puppies are messy.
They will have accidents in the house, and often (unless you get a calm goldendoodle by a miracle) they will chew on stuff they're not supposed to.
I remember leaving alone my goldendoodle puppy alone for a few minutes, just to turn around and see her running away with my sock in her mouth.
The best thing is when you wake up and step into a puddle of puppy pee!
Of course, all of these can be avoided with proper training, but these will still happen from time to time.
Be prepared for a lot of accidents, a lot of laundry, and a lot of frustration. The best thing to do is make your home as puppy proof as possible and be patient while they learn.
It will all be worth it when you have a well-behaved dog.
Goldendoodles Need a Lot of Grooming
Goldendoodles have a thick and curly coat similar to a golden retriever, so they require constant grooming, brushing and trimming or their coat will become matter.
This will not only cause skin problems for your dog but can also cause physical pain and discomfort.
If you have never brushed a dog before, then you're in for a treat!
Just kidding, It's really not that hard, and there are plenty of tutorials online on how to do it.
Of course, you don't have to do it all yourself, you can always take them to a professional groomer.
My only fortune was that back in the day we had a Bichon Havanese as a family dog, which also needs a lot of grooming, so I learned my way around a dog brush.
So make sure you have a proper grooming schedule set up!
There are a lot of Bad Breeders Out There
With the demand for goldendoodle puppies grew the number of bad breeders. There are a lot of breeders out there that run puppy mills and all they care about is making money .
They don't care about the health and well being of the animals or what genetic problems they can cause down the line, which all affects how long your goldendoodle will live.
I don't even like to call them breeders, because they don't even have the knowledge to do it properly, they are just a bunch of con artists.
Before you buy a Goldendoodle puppy, do your research!
Make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder who cares about their dogs. A good breeder will be able to answer all of your questions, and will also be happy to show you around their facility.
A good breeder will also have health clearances for the parents of the puppies, which means that they have been checked by a vet and are cleared of any genetic diseases.
Do not buy a puppy from a pet store, or from a breeder who cannot provide you with these things.
You will be glad you did your research when you end up with a healthy, happy puppy.
Health and Skin Issues
Goldendoodles can easily be prone to skin infections.
Their coat is very thick and curly, so their skin is prone to holding a lot of moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
So after you bathe your Goldendoodle, make sure you dry him/her off properly otherwise they can get a skin infection.
They are also prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears. So every time you bathe them, watch out if their ear is dry or not.
Your Goldendoodle Will Smell Sometimes
Goldendoodles have thick fur so if you don't properly dry them off or don't take care of it, they will smell.
They love to swim, but you will notice that sometimes they can smell bad after a swimming session.
This is because the moisture gets trapped on their skin, creating bacteria which smell.
Anytime you bathe them or take them swimming, make sure you properly dry them with a towel first, and when you get home dry them with a hair dryer even further.
The Size of a Goldendoodle Varies
Before you get your Goldendoodle puppy, it is good to know that there are several different size options.
From mini to medium and standard, there is a size for everyone.
The Mini Goldendoodle is between 10-20 pounds and 13-20 inches tall, the Medium Goldendoodle is between 30-45 pounds and 15-20 inches tall, and the Standard Goldendoodle is 40-50 pounds or more and 20-22 inches or taller.
So make sure you pick the size that is right for you and your lifestyle.
Allergies
Many people are allergic to dogs but don't realize it until they live with one.
Although goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic by the public, in reality no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Dander, which is dead skin cells, and saliva, are what people are actually allergic to and every dog produces these things.
Goldendoodles do shed less, so less dander is left in the environment, but if you have sever allergies, you can still be allergic to them.
Make sure you get yourself tested for allergies before you get a goldendoodle puppy.
You Will Fall in Love With Your Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are one of the most loving and loyal breeds of dogs. They are great with children and make excellent family pets.
But be careful, because you will fall in love. These little balls of fluff are so hard not to love.
They will be your best friends and want to be with you all the time.
So make sure you are ready for a lifetime of love before you get a goldendoodle puppy.
Your Should Consider Adopting
Before you go out and buy a goldendoodle puppy from a breeder, you should consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue organization.
As goldendoodles are very popular, there are many of them in ending up in shelters waiting for a forever home.
There are so many wonderful dogs waiting to be loved in shelters all over the country.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles make great pets and family dogs, but there are some things you should take into consideration before getting one.
From health and grooming issues to allergies and size, there is a lot to think about. But if you do your research and are prepared for a lifetime of love, then a goldendoodle puppy might just be the perfect addition to your family.
They are definitely a good dog breed for first time dog owners.
I wouldn't give away my goldendoodle for anything in the world. I hope you feel the same way after you get yours.
